Dispensing container



May 23, 1944. w. A. BECKER DIsPENsING CONTAINER Filed Jan. l, 1943 Sheets-Sheet l :inventor: WALTER BECKER Bg www Cttorneg S May 253, 1944. i -W.A.'BEKER Y 'A 2,349,605`

D-I SPENS ING CONTAINER Bnventor;

WALTR F1. BECKER Gttornegs Patented `My 2a, 1944V fum'natn STATES PATNT OFFICE' .DISPENSING CONTAINER walter A. Becker, charlotte. N. c., signor to Old Dominion Box Company, Lynchburg, Va., a corporation of Virginia Application January 1, 1943, sei-iai No. 471,040

6 Claims.

vide a rectangular cardboard container having side and end walls of a double thickness which are formed from a blank of material wound in a spiral manner, said container having the top and bottom walls sealed by projecting tabs which extend from the outer side or end walls so that the edges thereof will ilt between the proximate inside faces of the inner side or end walls. Since an outer side or end wall of the container is wider than the inner side or end wall respectively by an amount equal to twice the thickness of the blank of material, it is evident that the tab ex'- tending from an outer wall will be slightly wider than the normal inside width of the container; consequently, when the edges of an outside tab are pressed between the proximate faces of the inner side walls, there will be a slight spreading and thus, a, tight seal will be provided.

It is another object of this invention to provide a spirally wound container having inner and outer walls, one of said inner walls having perforations therein for permitting the contents of the container to be dispensed, and the companion outer wall having a closure flap formed therefrom for closing the perforations when the contents are not being dispensed.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a cardboard container of the class described in which the contents may be completely sealed or encased for storage and shipment, but being constructed in such a manner that it may be easily converted into a dispenser with a closure member therefor. In other words, the abovementioned periorations are not present in the inner wall when the contents are packed. Instead, the inner wall is scored at the points where the perforations are to be provided so that small sections of the inner wall can be easily removed when the container is converted into a dispenser.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objects will appear as the description proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fimire 1 is a plan view of a container blank of cardboard from which one type of the present container is formed;

- Figure 2 is an isometric view of the container after ithas been formed from the blank shown Figure 1;

-Figure 3 is a sectional plan view taken along the line 3-3 in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view, with the central portion thereof broken away, and taken along the line 4-4 in Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view, with the central portion thereof broken away, and taken along the line 5-5 in Figure 2;

Figure 6 is an isometric view of the top portion of the container with the top flap opened,V

and showing the perforations in the inner top wall through which the contents from the container are dispensed;

Figure 'l is an isometric view of the top portion of the container showing the individual tabs and aps employed in forming the same;

Figure 8 is an isometric view of the unfolded bottom portion of the container, said view illustrating the tabs and flaps employed in formingV the bottom construction;

Figure 9 is a plan view of a body blank from I which a slightly modified type of container is formed;

Figure 10 is an isometric view of the container after it has beenvformed from the blank shown in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken along the lines lI-il in Figures 10 and 12 illustrating the top construction of the con tainer;

Figure 12 is a sectional view taken along the line 12-12 in Figure 10 further illustrating the top construction of the container;

Figure 13 is an isometric View of the container, similar to Figure 10, but showing the top flap in an opened position and displaying the perforations through which the contents from the container are dispensed;

Figure 14 is an isometric view of the upper portion ofthe container showing the top tabs and flaps in unfolded positions.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the numeral l0 broadly designates a cardboard body blank from which one form of my improved container is constructed. This blank is divided into side and end wall sections il, l2, i3, ifi, l5, i6, il, i8, and i9 by substantially parallel crease lines 20, 2i, 22, 23, 2li, 25, 26, and 2l. The top edges of sections l2, i3, lli, I5, i6, i8, and i9 are defined or outlined by crease line 30, which line is disposed at substantially right angles to the irst mentioned crease lines, whereas the bottom edges of these same sections are dened or outlined by a second crease line 3|, said line 3l being substantially parallel to crease line 33.

By observing Figure 1, it will be noted that the inner end wall section I2 has integral with its upper and lower edges, suitable end tabs 32 and 33 respectively; the inner side wall section |3 has integral with its upper and lower edges, end flaps 34 and 35 respectively; the inner end wall section I4 has integral with its upper and lower edges, suitable end tabs 33 and 40 respectively; the inner sidewall section I5 has integral with its upper and lower edges, flaps 4| and 42 respectively, said flap 4| having a substantially square hole 43 disposed in its central portion.

The outer end wall section |8 has integral with.

its lower edges suitable end tabs 31 and 44 respectively, and the outer end wall section I8 has integral with its upper and lower edges, tabs 33 and 45 respectively. Finally, the outer side wall section I3 has integral with its upper and lowerv edges, flaps 48 and 41 respectively, said flaps having integral with their outer margins suitable tabs 50 and 5I, and these tabs are united to the free edges of flaps 48 and 41 along crease lines 48 and 49 respectively.

It will be noted by observing Figures 1, 4, 5, and 'l that tabs 32, 39, 31, and 38 have V-shaped edge notches 32a, 39a, 31a, and 38a respectively. These notches substantially coincide with the corresponding walls of the square hole 43 in flap 4| when the container is erected.

When it is desired to construct at container from the blank shown in Figure `I, the following steps are carried out substantially in the order named:

(a) The blank is bent about crease lines 20, 2|, 22 and 23 to form side and end wall sections l2, i3, I4, and l into a rectangular inner container wall, and then the adjacent contact surfaces of side and end wall sections and l5 are adhesively or otherwise secured together as at 60.

(b) The remaining side and end wall sections IB, |1, |8 and I9 of the blank are then bent about crease lines 24, 25, 28, and 21, and spirally wound around the previously formed rectangular inner wall, after which the sections l5 and I9 are adhesively or otherwise secured together as at 8|. After the above-named operations have been carried out, the container side and end walls will have a double thickness at all places, and at some places, there will be a triple thickness of the blank. (See Figure 3.)

(c) The construction of the bottom wall is begun by turning flaps 33 and 43 inwardly about crease lines 3|, thereby forming the ilrst or inside wall for the bottom. (Figures 4, 5, and 8.)

(d) Flaps 44 and 45 are then folded inwardly about crease lines 3| upon flaps 33 and 40. If desired, the adjoining surfaces of the members 44, 45, 33, and 40 may be adhesively or otherwise secured together as at 66. The flaps 48 and 45 form the second bottom thickness. It should be noted that a butt joint is provided between the proximate ends of flaps 33 and 43, said joint being positioned in staggered relation to a similar butt joint between the proximate ends of flaps 44 and 45, thereby giving an added strength to the bottom structure.

(e) Next, the flap 42 is turned inwardly upon the outer surfaces of aps '44 and 45 about the crease line 3|. If desired, the adjoining surfaces of flaps 42, 44, and 45 may be adhesively or otherwise secured together as at 51.

(f) I'he flap 35 is then turned inwardly upon the outer surface of flap 42 and about crease lines 3|. Likewise, the adjacent surfaces of naps 35 and 42 may be adhesively or otherwise secured together as at 68, if desired.

(g) Finally, the outside flap 41 and associated tab 5| are turned inwardly over flap 35 and about crease line 3| as an axis. At the same time, the tab 5| is also turned inwardly about crease line 49 and inserted in a crack or opening 10 disposed between inner and outer side walls I3 and |1. 'I'he tab 5| is then secured in an inserted position between the walls |3 and I'I by adhesive or other materials as at 1|. In most instances, a securing means between the adjacent surfaces of tabs and flaps 33, 35, 40, 42, 44, and 45 is not provided because outer tab Il, when secured as at 1|, will maintain the bottom in a closed position. However, where an added strength is desired, it may be necessary to ad-v hesively or otherwise secure the adjacent surfaces of ,the above-named tabs and flaps together.

(h) The construction of the top wall is begun by folding the tabs 32, 39, 31, and 38 inwardly about their respective crease lines 3l.l When folded inwardly, the proximate edges of these tabs are disposed a substantial distance apart from "each other. (Figures 5 and '1.)

(i) With the tabs 32, 39, 31 and 38 folded inwardly at substantially right angles to their associated end walls, the flap 4| is then turned inwardly about its crease line 30, over tabs 31 and 38, and then the adjoining surfaces of members 4|, 32, and 39 are adhesively or otherwise s'ecured together as at 12. This last-named operlation completely closes the top wall of the container except for the square perforation 43 disposed in the central portion of tab 4|.

(7') The flap 34 is now turned inwardly about crease line 30 and over the ap 4|, andV then the adjoining surfaces of members 34 and 4| are adhesively or otherwise secured together as at 13. With the flap 34 adhesively secured in position, the perforations 38a will be disposed within the confines of the square opening 4 3 in the flap 4I therebeneath. Of course, it is understood that the perforations 36a areuforinedby the removal of plugs or sections 38 f rorn the flap 48. Usually the plugs 38 are partially severed from the flap 34, b'ut are permitted to remain in position, so that the contents within the container cannot escape. It is only when the container must be used as a dispenser that-the.'

plugs 35' are removed to form perforations` 38a.

(k) The last operation consists in folding the flap 45 and its associated tab 50 inwardly about crease line 30, so that the nap 48 will cover the iiap 34 and its associated perforations 38a or plugs 36. At the same time, the tab 83 is turned about its crease line 48, and then re' leasably inserted in a crack or opening 15 between the side walls I3 and I1. walls i3 and |1 are not secured together at the point of insertion, it is seen that a slight friction will be present between the proximate faces of the separated side walls and the opposed faces of the inserted tab. Therefore, the tab 58 will be releasably held in position. As a means for facilitating the removal of the tab 53 from the crack 15, a suitable thumb notch |1a is provided in the upper edge of side walls I1.

Attention is called to the fact that thertabs 31 and 38 are slightly wider than the tabs 32 and 38 immediately therebelow, because thetabs 31 and 38 are extensions of the outer end walls Since the side.

aaeaeoe It and I8. Therefore, the side edges of tabs 31 and 33 will t into closer engagement with the inner side walls I3 and I5 to form a more periect seat and to prevent sifting of the contents from the package. This same principle of providing a tight fit is employed in the top and bottom walls oi both forms of the invention.

Modified form The container shown in Figures 9 to 14 inelusive has its side walls, end walls, and bottom wall formed identically in the same manner as just described in connection with the container shown in Figures 1 to 8 inclusive. The top structure of this last-named container is somewhat different, however, because the perforations through which the contents from the container are dispensed, are located in a slightly dierent position. Also there is a slight dilference in cihstruction insofar as the top flap and tab structure is concerned.v

By referringto the upper portion of Figure 9,

nected to its upper edge along crease line a v tab 8|: and the inner side wall I5 Ahas connected to its upper edge along crease li'ne 30 a flap 82; and the outer end wall sections I6 and I8 have connected to the upper edges thereof along crease line 30 suitable tabs 16 and 11 respectively.v The outer side wall section I1 has a notch Hb in its upper edge which has a. slightly different shape from the notch I1a described in connection with side Wall section I1 of the preceding form of the invention. This notch not only serves as a thumb space whereby the top flap may be removed from inserted position, but also forms a passageway in the outer wall of the container whereby perforations 90a as shown in Figure 13 may be exposed when suitable outer top members 8B and a1 are opened. The outer flap $6 is connected to the upper edge of side wall section I9 along crease line SII-and the free end of the flap 86 has hingedly secured thereto along crease line et the tab B1.

Since the side walls, end walls, and bottom walls of this container" are formed in the manner previously described in connection with the iirst form of this invention, another description will not be made, but like reference characters Ywill be given like parts. The top wall structure,

however, is somewhat different, and therefore,

a step by step description will be given as to its formation in substantially the proper order. The steps are as follows:

a.- After the side walls, end walls, and bottom walls have been formed, the top structure is begun by turning the tabs 80 and 8l inwardly about the crease line 30 to a position where they are disposed in a plane substantially parallel to the bottom of the container, thus forming a butt joint between the free ends thereof. Then the tabs IG and I1 are likewise folded inwardly about crease line 30 and on top of tabs 80 and 8l, thus forming a second butt joint between the free ends of the tabs. It will be noted that the butt joints between the upper and lower tabs are staggered.

b. The ap 82 is then turned inwardly about crease line 3l over the tabs 'Il and 11, after which the members 16, 11, and 82 are adhesively secured together as at 83. This operation provides a triple top wall thickness and serves to close the top of the container.

Y yc. The flap M is then turned inwardly over flap 82 and about crease line 3|! as an Vaxis of rotation, after Vwhich the adjacent surfaces of Vmembers 82 and N are adhesively or otherwise sej cured together as at 85. Flap 8l serves as another tbickness for the top of the container, members 8B and II beingthe rst thickness, members 16 and 11 being the second thickness,

member 82 being the third thickness, and member 8l being the fourth thickness.

d. Finally the ap 86 and its associated tab 81 are turned inwardly over the flap 8l' about crease line 30.v At the same time, the tab 81 is turned inwardly about crease line t8 and then` releasably inserted in a crack or opening 8! between the side walls I3 and I1. When the tab 81 is in an inserted position as shown in Figure '10, it is evident that the perforations 90a, or the plugs 90 which are disposed in these perforations when the container is packed, will be covered. As in the preceding case, the perforations Sla are not present when the container is packed, but instead, the plugs 90 are partially severed from the front side wall I3 and allowed to remain -Y in position. When the consumer desires to dispense the contents from the package, however,

as many of the plugs 9|) are 'removed as desired,

to thereby form perforations 90a.

It is therefore seen that in this last form of the invention, the perforations are disposed in the iront wall and are adapted to be closed or .covered by the tab 81 on the free end of ap 8i when the contents are not being dispensed. It is also seen that the perforations 90a are immediately exposed to view when the tab 81 is removed from opening 89 on account of the shape of notch I1b. This notch also provides a thumb space, whereby the tab 81 may be easily removed from opening 89.

In order to more clearly describe the invention the wall sections II, I3, I5, I1, and I9 have been referred to as side walls, and the wall sections I2, Il, I6 and I8 have been referred to as end walls. In some of the claims, however, all of these wall sections are broadly referred to as side walls since the sections together form four sides of the container.

As in the preceding form of the invention, the outer end wall tabs 16 and 11 are wider than the normal inside width of the container, therefore, when the opposed edges of these tabs are inserted between the proximate inner sidewall faces as shown in Figure 11, the walls will be slightly expanded, thus resulting in a tighter seal or fit.

The tabs 32, 33, 39, 40, 31, Il, 38, 45 and the flaps 34, 35, II, 42, d6, and l1 as well as tabs n, al, 16, and 'I1 and iiaps 83, 8l, and 86 may be broadly referred to as extensions.

In the drawings and specication, there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention, and although speciic terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descrip tive sense only and not for purposes of limita.. tion, the scope of the invention being dened in theclaims.

I claim:

l. In a rectangular paper box formed from a single blank and being scored to provide two inner and outer side walls and two inner and outer thereon adapted to be folded towards each other,

so that their free ends are in abutting relation,

the inner side walls having flaps on each end thereof adapted to be folded towards each other in overlapping relation and one of the outer side walls having flaps extending from each end thereof adapted to be folded over the tabs of the inner and outer end walls and over the flaps of the inner side walls, the naps on one end of one of the outer side walls having tabs on their free ends adapted to be inserted between the inner and outer walls opposite the hinge point of the last-named flap to securely hold all of the tabs and aps in folded position, the fiaps extending from the inner side walls being perforated.

2. A rectangular paper box formed from a sinele blank and having inner and outer side walls and inner and outer end walls, the inner and outer end walls having tabsr extending from each end and scored to be folded inwardly towards each other and being of such length as to cause their free ends to be in abutting relation when folded, the tabs extending from one end of the blank being notched at their free ends to provide an opening between their free ends, the inner side walls having flaps extending from each end thereof and being scored to fold inwardly in overlapping relation to each other, the flaps at one end of the inner side walls having perforations therein which cdincide when the aps are folded, one of the outer side walls having flaps extending from each end thereof and being scored to fold over the ends of the box and having an extension tab on their free ends adapted to be inserted between the inner and outer side walls which are remote from the hinge point of the last-named iiap.

3. A rectangular paper box formed from a continuous length of material comprising inner and outer end walls and inner and outer side Walls, the inner and outer end walls having extensions or tabs on each end thereof scored to be folded inwardly towards each other with their ends in abutting relation, the inner side walls having extensions or flaps on each end thereof scored to be folded inwardly towards each other in overlapping relation, one of the outer side walls having an extension or flap on each end thereof scored to fold inwardly over the aforesaid extensions r tabs and aps and havinga tab on the free end 's thereof scored to be, folded and inserted between the inner and outer`side walls which are opposed to the outer side wall having the extensions or naps projecting from each end thereof.

4. A rectangular paper box formed from a continuous length of material comprising inner and outer end walls and inner and outer side walls, the inner and outer end walls having extensions or tabs on each end thereof scored to be folded inwardly towards each other with their ends in abutting relation, the inner side walls having extensions or flaps on each end thereof scored to be folded inwardly towards each other in overlapping relation, one of the outer side walls having an extension or flap on each end thereof scored to fold inwardly over the aforesaid extensions or tabs and flaps and having a tab on the free ends thereof scored to be folded and inserted between the inner and outer side walls which are opposed to the outer side wall having the extensions or aps projecting from each end thereof, all of the extensions on the inner end walls and the outer side walls at one end of the box having openings therein for permitting the contents of the box to be emptied therefrom when the extension or flap on the outer side wall at that end of the box is moved to open position.

5. A rectangular paper box formed from a continuous length of material comprising inner and outer end walls and inner and outer side walls, the inner and outer end walls having extensions or flaps on each end thereof scored to be folded inwardly towards each other with their ends in abutting relation, the inner side walls having extensions or flaps on each end thereof scored to be folded inwardly towards each other in overlapping relation, the inner end Walls and side walls together with their flaps or extensions forming an inner shell, one of the outer side walls having an extension or flap on each end thereof scored to fold inwardly over the portion of the inner shell formed by the extensions on the inner side walls and inner end walls and each of the last-named flaps having a tab on the free end thereof scored to be folded and inserted between the inner and outer side walls remote from the side wall of which the last-named flap is a part, the inner shell having perforations therein adapted to be covered by the extension on the outer side wall when it is in folded position.

6. A rectangular paper box formed from a continuous length of material comprising inner and outer end walls and inner and outer side Walls. the inner and outer end walls having extensions or tabs on each end thereof scored to be folded inwardly towards each other with their ends in abutting relation, the extensions or tabs on the inner and outer end walls being unequal in length, so that when moved to folded position, the junction point between the extensions or tabs on the inner end walls will be off-set with relation to the junction point between the extensions or tabs on the outer end walls, the inner side walls having extensions or aps on each end thereof scored to be folded inwardly towards each other in overlapping relation, one of the outer side walls having an extension or flap on each end thereof scored to fold inwardly over the aforesaid extensions or tabs and aps and having a tab on the free ends thereof scored to be folded and inserted between the inner and outer side walls which are opposed to the outer side wall having the extensions or flaps projecting from each end thereof, the outer side wall opposed to the outer side wall having the extensions or flaps thereon being cut away at one end thereof and the inner side wall which is contiguous to the cut away portion of the outer side wall having perforations therein through which contents of the box may be sifted when the extension or nap on the opposed outer side wall at that end of the box is moved to open position.

IWALTER. a BECKER. 

